Ferrari’s plans to turbocharge most of its V8-powered future models aren’t exactly a secret anymore, but the Italians’ plans also seem to include downsized V6 engines.
A Ferrari road car with V6 power is unheard of since the Dino, which wasn’t even badged as a Ferrari because it had less than 12 cylinders. Still, a report from CAR cites sources who indicate that Ferrari is working on a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
The new engine is projected to produce at least 500 hp and 450 lb-ft (609 Nm) of torque. Obviously the big question is on which model Ferrari will use the new V6 engine. Well, one thing is certain – it won’t debut on a small, entry-level Ferrari, because such a car won’t exist.
Instead, Ferrari sees the twin-turbo V6 as a solution for its current models, as regulations force carmakers to make cleaner and more fuel-efficient cars. Therefore, the V6 engine is said to debut on a more affordable version of the facelifted 458 Italia. As previous reports have indicated, the 458 Italia will get a turbocharged V8 engine for its first makeover next year and could possibly change its name into the M458-T.
The V6 engine will arrive after that on the 458, which could be called 456 to reflect the cylinder count. Ferrari is said to consider splitting the upcoming 458 into two models: a V8 engined supercar and a slightly more affordable V6 model. The latter would be lighter and possibly more compact, allowing Ferrari to compete directly with the Porsche 911, for example.
Nevertheless, for the moment these are only rumors and don’t quite match Ferrari’s current official “doctrine” of retaining exclusivity by capping production at 7,000 units a year.
Note: Ferrari 458 models from the brand’s Tailor Made program pictured
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